Dental implants are a highly effective and long-lasting solution to replacing missing teeth. Unlike dentures or dental bridges, they offer a more permanent and stable solution for a more confident smile. However, because of the advanced materials and procedure complexity involved in dental implant treatment, they often come with a significant cost.
The price of a single dental implant can range anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 in Canada. But, this still depends on several factors. Because of the steep price, many patients wonder whether dental insurance will cover this cost. However, the answer isn’t always straightforward. Dental implant coverage largely depends on your type of insurance, your provider, and your dentist’s evaluation.
Overview of Dental Implants
A typical dental implant consists of three main components:
- Titanium implant post – serves as the artificial tooth root and is embedded into the bone to support a future crown attachment
- Dental crown – resembles the natural tooth and is securely attached on the post
- Abutment – connects the titanium post to the abutment
While this sounds pretty simple, it isn’t all that. The dental implant procedure involves meticulous planning to ensure long-term treatment success. Many factors play a role in ensuring your implant will look, feel, and function like your natural tooth. This contributes to the cost of your dental implants.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Dental Implants
Some key factors that may influence the implant cost are:
- Number of Implants – Dental implants are versatile and can be used to replace a single to a full set of missing teeth. The more the implants required in your case, the higher the overall cost.
- Materials Used – The prosthetic dental crown can be made from porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia. Some materials offer better durability or aesthetic appeal, making them more expensive than others.
- Additional Procedures – Some patients may require procedures such as bone grafting, ridge expansion, or sinus lifting to prepare the mouth to receive the implant. Each of these add to the total cost of treatment.
Types of Dental Insurance Coverage
Dental insurance is one of the many ways that patients can opt to fund for the cost that comes with dental fees, possibly including that of dental implants. In Canada, insurance plans generally fall into three main categories:
Basic Coverage
Basic dental insurance usually covers routine, preventive dental care. This includes dental check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays. Some coverage may include simple tooth extraction and filling.
Major Coverage
Complex dental procedures fall under major dental insurance. Crowns, bridges, dentures, and sometimes root canals are classified under this category. Dental implants may be partially or fully covered under this category, depending on your provider. Usually, the crown portion that tops the implant post is covered by insurance, however, the surgical component may not always be included in many plans.
Orthodontic Coverage
Procedures such as braces and other alignment-related treatments are the typical focus of orthodontic insurance coverage. Implants are rarely covered by this type of insurance, unless there is a need for jaw realignment or bite correction.
These insurance coverages may be provided by:
- Standard employer-provided – which are offered by employees to their employers as a legal benefit, whether partially or fully. This may cover dental implants, or the crown attachment, depending on the employer
- Private insurance – these are privately purchased by Canadian individuals, with a more flexible option on what plan to choose depending on their specific needs, including dental implants
- Government-funded plans – these are provided by the government to eligible individuals and they generally do not cover dental implants. Government dental insurance coverage focuses on essential and emergency dental services.
Are Dental Implants Usually Covered by Insurance?
While dental implants offer several benefits that make them an effective teeth replacement, this treatment option is often classified as elective or cosmetic procedure by most insurance providers. With that, most insurance plans do not cover the cost of implants. However, partial coverage may be available depending on your specific plan.
Consultation and preliminary procedures may be covered
Many insurance plans will cover the initial consultation and diagnostic procedures, such as X-rays or scans, which are necessary to determine your eligibility for the procedure.
Crown placement may classify under major coverage
If within your insurance coverage, the dental crown that tops the implant post may be covered. While it will not include the entire procedure, this can significantly lessen the expected cost.
Follow-up appointments may be part of your basic plan
Post-surgical care and follow-up visits may also be covered, depending on your plan. This is important in the long run as it helps your dentist identify early issues before they become serious problems.
How to Check if Your Insurance Covers Dental Implants
Some policies cover implants, whether partially or fully, while some do not. To avoid surprises, it is crucial to review your insurance policy before undergoing dental implant treatment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you determine your coverage status and eligibility:
- Review your policy – Read through your insurance policy to check what procedures are covered under basic, major, and orthodontic care, and which among these constitute your specific plan. Pay close attention to exclusions and limits related to dental implants.
- Contact your insurance provider – If you are still unsure, call your insurance provider and ask specific questions about dental implant coverage and whether some aspects of the procedure can be covered. They will usually help with direct answers.
- Ask about pre-authorization – Many insurance plans require pre-authorization for complex procedures such as implants, crowns, and other surgeries. This ensures that the treatment is medically necessary.
- Obtain a pre-treatment estimate – For certain insurance plans that cover procedures based on a ceiling cost, a detailed pre-estimate outlines the expected fees and helps your provider determine your benefits.
- Get clarity on out-of-pocket costs – Once your coverage is successfully determined, do not forget to ask about shelling out personal costs. Your provider should offer a breakdown of what to expect after coverage is applied.
Conclusion
Dental implants offer a permanent and reliable solution for missing teeth and are a lifetime investment. But, the cost can be a concern for many patients. Unfortunately, most dental insurance plans do not cover dental implants. But, partial coverage may be available for certain steps of the procedure such as consultations, crowns, and follow-up care.
To ensure you make the most of your insurance benefits, especially if you are looking to get dental implants, carefully review your policy, ask your provider, and work closely with your dentist to determine your eligibility. While the plan may not entirely cover the treatment, partial coverage can significantly lessen the cost and make dental implants an accessible option for patients with missing teeth.
If you are unsure about your coverage, Chinook Dental Group is here to help you navigate the process so you can understand if your plan covers the treatment. Schedule a consultation today to learn about your options!
